People v. McGee

Defendant was convicted of first degree murder and aggravated kidnapping and sentenced to consecutive terms of 60 years and 25 years in prison. Defendant was lawfully seized, and thus lineup identifications were properly admitted into evidence. Prosecutor sought to discuss reasonable doubt standard in terms which did not diminish its burden of proof, and thus statements in closing arguments were not reversible error. State violated Speedy Trial Act by charging Defendant with first-degree murder 18 months after Defendant was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, aggravated kidnapping, and unlawful restraint. Victim was kidnapped and beaten in Chicago but was found dead in Gary, Indiana. State had knowledge that at least part of the injuries that caused victim's death occurred in Illinois. At time of original indictment State had a conscious awareness of evidence that is sufficient to give State a reasonable chance to secure a conviction.(HOWSE and ELLIS, concurring.)